DC: A Cop in Gotham

Chapter 12: Dick and a Rematch

After Dean knocked on the door, there was a harsh scraping sound as the table legs dragged across the floor.

After a while, the door opened, revealing Barbara sitting in a wheelchair. Her cheeks were flushed, and her clothes looked slightly disheveled.

"Dean?"

Dean was surprised by Barbara's appearance. He raised the tray in his hand. "The director said you were busy, so I brought some pastries and tea to cheer you up. Barbara, your face is so red—are you feeling sick?"

Barbara seemed flustered but tried to maintain a calm demeanor. She touched her hot cheeks with one hand and said, "Maybe the ventilation in the room isn't great. Come in."

Dean entered Barbara's room. It was spacious but simply decorated. The furniture was pushed against the walls, leaving a large empty area in the middle. The layout seemed designed to accommodate her wheelchair.

"Sit wherever you like. What's going on, Dean? Are you having trouble at work?"

Barbara immediately sensed Dean's worry. Although he deliberately made his concern apparent, Barbara's tone was more like that of a sister caring for a younger brother.

Dean set the tray down. "Actually, the first half of my shift was fine. I caught three petty thieves, but something happened later that left me feeling awkward."

"Tell me about it," Barbara encouraged. "Maybe I can give you some advice."

Barbara assumed Dean had encountered a moral dilemma—like apprehending someone committing a crime out of desperation. Such confusion was common for rookie police officers.

But Dean didn't struggle with such doubts. He had his own strict standards for distinguishing right from wrong.

"I had a conflict with a superhero. He tried to take me hostage with a weapon. I believed he was assaulting an officer, so we fought."

Dean recounted his predicament. "Neither of us got hurt, but I've been thinking—if a so-called 'hero' breaks the law, am I allowed to arrest them?"

Barbara hadn't expected Dean to encounter the thorny issue of superheroes versus law enforcement so quickly. This debate had existed since superheroes emerged and remained unresolved. Even Jim Gordon and Batman hadn't always been allies. Initially, Gotham's police even issued warrants for Batman's arrest.

Opinions varied among law enforcement. Some officers resented superheroes for taking their jobs, while others appreciated the reduced workload. Gotham's police, for example, often wished for more figures like Batman to help combat the city's overwhelming crime rate.

Barbara rested her chin on her hand, thinking. "If you establish cause, gather key evidence, and confirm wrongdoing, you can make an arrest.

"Really, you don't need to consider their 'superhero' status. Breaking the law is breaking the law. No matter who they are, as long as you have evidence, just fulfill your duty as an officer.

"I'm sure my dad would support you once he knows all the facts."

Dean felt a wave of relief. "That's good to know."

Barbara sipped her tea and asked curiously, "By the way, which hero did you fight with? I don't recall any new superheroes in Gotham."

She assumed Dean had faced a lesser-known vigilante.

Dean hesitated, worried Barbara might spit out her tea like her father had earlier. He waited until she set her cup down.

"It was Robin—Batman's sidekick."

*Thud!*

There was a loud noise from the large wardrobe against the wall. Barbara's expression instantly changed.

Dean glanced toward the sound. "Barbara, do you have a pet?"

His first thought was a pet, but then he remembered Barbara's disheveled appearance earlier. Could there be a guest in the closet?

Barbara forced herself to stay calm and moved her wheelchair between Dean and the wardrobe. "No, it must be a mouse. I'll call pest control tomorrow."

This excuse only heightened Dean's suspicion.

Dick Grayson, Batman's first Robin, had left Gotham and now operated in Blüdhaven as Nightwing. He also happened to be Barbara's boyfriend.

Dean realized he might have interrupted the couple's reunion. Feeling awkward, he decided to leave. After all, his goal had been achieved—he had the Gordons' endorsement. If Damian caused more trouble, Dean would have support in handling it.

Dean couldn't help but feel embarrassed, especially after fighting Damian earlier in front of Batman and then expressing his intention to arrest Robin in front of Barbara.

"Thank you for your guidance, Barbara. I understand what to do now. Robin is just a citizen of Gotham, like anyone else. If he breaks the law, he'll face the consequences!" Dean waved his fist energetically as he left.

Barbara didn't know whether to laugh or sigh. After Dean left, she closed the door.

"You can come out now. He's gone."

The wardrobe door opened, and Dick, dressed in his blue-and-black Nightwing suit, stepped out.

With such a dramatic entrance, Dick was sure Dean had guessed there was someone in the closet. He felt relieved Dean had left without making a scene.

"This guy your dad likes—he's something else," Dick remarked.

He was surprised. Though he'd never fought Damian directly, he knew the boy's ruthless fighting style aimed for vital points. It was hard to believe Dean had held his own against him.

"He's really strong," Barbara admitted. "There are rumors he took down the Penguin Gang on his first day in Gotham."

Hearing his girlfriend praise another man, Dick grew jealous. Coupled with Dean's special status as Jim Gordon's successor, Dick couldn't help but ask, "Barbara, your dad doesn't have any 'ideas,' does he?"

Barbara pushed him playfully. "Not everyone is like you, Dick—distracted by every pretty face they see."

Dick Grayson was infamous for his charm. Though his reputation as DC's top heartthrob hadn't fully formed yet, the signs were there. After being apart for so long, Barbara, who sometimes felt insecure because of her paralysis, couldn't help but tease him.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that," Dick apologized, hugging her tightly.

Barbara placed a finger on his lips. "You're still in the mood for this? Batman must've called you back to Gotham for something important."

Dick smirked and gently pushed her hand away. "I don't care about that right now. You're the most important thing to me."

Batman hadn't given Dick any urgent tasks after summoning him back to Gotham. Instead, Bruce wanted to give Dick and Barbara some much-needed time together, proving he understood relationships far better than people thought.

Moonlight filtered through the window, bathing the couple in its glow as they shared a tender kiss.

————————————————————

Dean was patrolling alone on Flock Avenue. Manaphy sat invisibly on his shoulder, treating the patrol like a leisurely stroll.

Over time, Kevin had grown accustomed to Dean going on solo patrols. Given Dean's reputation, most criminals couldn't lay a finger on him, so Kevin let him be.

Thanks to several rounds of Dean's "just law enforcement," the Mask Gang had pulled out of Flock Avenue. The area's security had improved dramatically. Other gangs, aware of the ruthless man who could deflect bullets with a blade, decided to stay away. What had once been gang territory was now one of the few places in Gotham the police had reclaimed.

After walking the streets for a while, Dean noticed something strange—there were no signs of crime. Instead, locals frequently waved or saluted him, which left him perplexed.

After grabbing a free donut from a nearby dessert shop, Dean leaned against a railing, puzzled.

He'd only been gone for a day, not a century. Where had all the criminals disappeared to?

Just as Dean considered asking someone, his instincts kicked in. He caught a dart mid-air and looked up, spotting a figure in red and green darting across a rooftop.

"It's that brat again," Dean muttered, carefully placing the dart into a plastic bag before following the figure.

The two engaged in a high-stakes chase across the city, weaving through rooftops and alleys for nearly a kilometer. Finally, Damian stopped in a deserted alley, turning to face Dean with a smug expression.

With his hands behind his back, Damian recited loudly, "Father: Qin Zhengren. Mother: Sheena Qin. Born in Central City in 1994. Graduated from the Central City Police Academy. Close friends with Barry Allen. Mother died of cancer in 2000. Transferred to Gotham Police two days after her death. Stopped the Penguin Gang's arms trade and was named Gordon's successor."

Dean remained calm despite Damian's brazen recitation of his mother's name.

Damian, however, paid no attention to Dean's reaction. He leaped onto a nearby trash can, looking down at Dean with an air of superiority.

"You've been investigating me," Dean said flatly.

Damian corrected him. "It's not an investigation. I simply needed to familiarize myself with my future partner."

"Future partner?" Dean's eyes narrowed, his tone cold.

"Yes," Damian said confidently. "One day, I'll take over as Batman. Since you're Gordon's successor, we're destined to be partners. Batman and Commissioner Gordon were partners, so it's only natural for us to follow in their footsteps."

Dean smiled, but his tone was sharp. "I see. But let me ask you this—Batman has had more than one Robin over the years. You're just the latest. What makes you think you'll inherit the mantle of Batman?"

Damian's face flushed. Dean had struck a nerve. While Gordon's choice of successor was clear to everyone, the Batman legacy was less certain. From Dick Grayson to Damian, the role of Robin had passed through several hands, making it clear that Robins were replaceable.

However, Damian held a trump card none of the others did—he was Bruce Wayne's biological son.

"It's not something I need to explain to you," Damian replied defensively. "Just know that the others were merely followers. I'm the only one truly worthy of inheriting the name of Batman!"

Damian's arrogant declaration echoed through the alley.

Unbeknownst to the two, Nightwing had been eavesdropping nearby.

"You little brat," Dick muttered to himself, shaking his head. "Still as full of yourself as ever."

Batman had tasked Nightwing with keeping an eye on Dean while he investigated Black Mask. Although Dean had come clean about his past, Batman's naturally suspicious nature wouldn't allow him to fully trust anyone—not even himself.

When Damian decided to confront Dean, Nightwing followed, knowing his younger brother's fiery temper often led to unnecessary fights.

As Damian declared himself the "future Batman," Dick's irritation grew. He decided to hold back, curious to see how Dean would handle the situation.

Dean, meanwhile, didn't miss a beat. "Alright, I'll acknowledge your claim as the future Batman."

He unsheathed Lake Toya from his back, spun it with precision, and held it out.

"But being Batman means proving your worth. Let's settle this the way Batman and Gordon first established their partnership—by capturing Robin."

Damian's face turned red with anger. "Are you kidding me? We're supposed to be partners!"

Dean didn't reply. Instead, he adjusted his stance and executed a swift sword dance. The move exuded confidence and power.

"Partners or not," Dean said, his voice steady, "you're still a vigilante who needs to be tested."

Infuriated, Damian drew his twin blades. With a swift kick off the wall, he lunged at Dean.

This time, neither of them held back. Damian was genuinely trying to befriend Dean, but Dean's mockery had pushed him over the edge. Meanwhile, Damian's earlier comments about Dean's family had reopened old wounds, fueling Dean's determination.

The alley filled with the clash of blades as the two went head-to-head. Damian's skill was undeniable—he was a prodigy trained by both the League of Assassins and Batman.

But Dean had an edge: raw power. Amplified by three times his usual strength, his strikes carried incredible force.

Even so, Damian quickly adapted to Dean's movements. His agility and tactical thinking allowed him to keep up, and he began to exploit Dean's struggle to control his heightened strength.

After an intense exchange, the two leaped back simultaneously, panting heavily.

"You're strong," Damian admitted grudgingly. "But your swordsmanship is sloppy. You can't handle the increased power."

Damian felt confident. If he could keep up the fight for a few more minutes, he was certain he could defeat Dean.

But Dean didn't plan to give him those few minutes.

Reaching into his pocket, Dean pulled out a peculiar device.

[Name: Technical Move Disc—Sacred Sword]

[Type: Key Item]

[Quality: ★★]

[Effect: Teaches Pokemon the move Sacred Sword. Can be used repeatedly.

Sacred Sword: Focuses energy into a single, precise blade strike, capable of slicing through tough obstacles like trees.]

[PS: It's not just Pokémon moves that can cut through trees.]

The device glowed faintly as Hoshikudaki began to radiate with a brilliant white aura.

Dean exhaled deeply, gripping the hilt tightly. His voice was calm but resolute as he declared:

"Signature Move—Gallade's Sacred Sword!"